The mission of YLJC is to enrich young lives, and the San Diego community where they live, by inspiring imagination, intellectual curiosity, character, and self-confidence through jazz music instruction provided to middle- and high-school students; to facilitate exclusive performance opportunities for young musicians at public venues; to promote diversity and inclusion; to foster awareness and appreciation of jazz music in the community through live performances and education.

Young Lions Jazz Conservatory, a non-profit 501(c)(3) recognized corporation, is an organization dedicated to nurturing and supporting a collaborative learning culture that advances the mission, contributes to the vibrancy of the community, and promotes the development of well-balanced individuals.

We strive to find opportunities for community outreach that allow instructors and students to share their musical resources, gifts, and expertise beyond the classroom. Music is meant to be shared, and YLJC is dedicated to making a lasting impact on our community through a wide variety of community-based performances and programs.

In addition to the conservatory’s stellar faculty, world-class jazz professionals are brought in on a regular basis throughout the year to provide master classes that provide specialized training and coaching. Students study music theory, ear training, composition, improvisation, music history, and culture.

YLJC provides many opportunities throughout the year to perform in front of audiences at local public and private venues and events in the community. YLJC students attend jazz festivals and clinics, giving them the opportunity to meet other music students throughout the nation and to gain the experience of performing in a competitive environment.

Our goal is to keep our standard of teaching at the highest level while maintaining a friendly, fun, and nurturing environment. The study of music enriches not only the lives of the students and teachers, but the community and society as well.